The insider’s Ibiza

A few tips for where to eat, shop and, of course, club on the ultimate hedonist’s island

Ibiza is a place that always provokes a reaction. For some, it’s the warm reminiscing of hedonistic summers. For others, it’s the shudder at the thought of spending time on an island crowded with rowdy British clubbers.

Anyone in the know is aware that Ibiza is anything but the San Antonio clichés (and even that area is changing for the better). And to those Ibiza veterans who have adopted the “been there done that” attitude, it might be worth nothing that the island is so progressive and contains so many creative residents that the idea of it ever being “done” is simply a nonstarter.

Ibiza is so much more than just a clubber’s paradise. It offers everything from the perfect escape to some of the best restaurants serving the freshest fish you will ever taste. All of this is mixed with a glamorous bohemian scene, where you’re just as likely to find yourself lunching al fresco on a table next to Robert De Niro as drinking cold beers at a beach bar with Arctic Monkeys.

Starting with a little bit of relaxation time, head to the Can Talaias hotel in the northeast area of the island and hang out by the prettiest pool in Ibiza (www.hotelcantalaias.com). From there, head to the gorgeous beach at nearby Cala Mastella for a swim, before grabbing lunch at El Bigote, where you can have a long, leisurely meal practically sitting on the rocks — just make sure you make a reservation. Royalty has been turned away, because it didn’t have its name down (reservations must be made in person).

For those looking for a bit more activity during the day (admittedly a challenge for the nocturnal), consider kite-surfing on the southeastern coast near Ibiza Town, at either Es Cavallet or Playa Den Bossa before kayaking round the southern tip to lunch at foodie favorite Sa Caleta, to the east of Cala Jondal.

For those searching for a great boho local market, head northeast of Ibiza Town to Las Dalias market on a Saturday morning (www.lasdalias.es). For the true Ibiza look, head to Benirras beach for a visit to Deseo, where insiders go for great leather sandals, cotton dresses and silks from Thailand. And for vintage pieces, visit Ganesha, popular with regular visitors, including Elle Macpherson and Jade Jagger (14 Montgri, Ibiza Town).

As the day draws to a close, start off with dinner at Plaza del Sol, a restaurant within the old city walls with gorgeous views over Ibiza Town (Plaza Del Sol 7, 34-971-39-0773). Another favorite is Clos Denis in San Rafael, an island institution (Plaza de Iglesia, San Rafael, 34-971-198-545).

You’ll have heard of the super clubs, including Pacha (www.pacha.com) and Amnesia (www.amnesia-ibiza.com, go there for Manumission on a Friday night). And while these clubs showcase the soul of the island and are full of many weird and wonderful characters, don’t forget what else is on offer. From the trendy DC10 (www.dc10ibiza.com) on Monday nights to the more low-key but equally memorable Underground on Thursdays (www.ibizaunderground.com), these places provide wonderful Ibizan nightlife experiences.

Another cult classic is Space on Sundays, which is regularly voted the best club in the world (www.space-ibiza.es). And to cap it all, a sign to say you truly have arrived in Ibiza is getting an invite to the illegal beach parties that take place on Saturdays on either Playa S’Estanyol or Blue Martin Cala Jondal.

Tom Marchant is founder of award-winning travel company Black Tomato (www.blacktomato.co.uk).